Mango Kheer Recipe: A Creamy North Indian Delight
Mango Kheer, also known as Mango Pudding, is a delightful North Indian dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of traditional kheer with the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes. This dessert is perfect for summer and special occasions alike, offering a refreshing yet indulgent treat that everyone will enjoy. The fusion of cardamom, saffron, and the luscious mango pulp creates a unique flavor profile that makes this dessert a favorite across the subcontinent.
Here’s how you can make this delicious Mango Kheer at home:
Ingredients for Mango Kheer:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mango Pulp (Puree) | 1 cup |
| Full Cream Milk | 1 cup |
| Semiya (Vermicelli) | 3/4 cup |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 6 tablespoons |
| Slivered Almonds (Badam) | 1 tablespoon |
| Raisins | 1/4 cup |
| Saffron Strands | 1/4 teaspoon |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings:
- 4 servings
Cuisine:
- North Indian
Course:
- Dessert
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions for Preparing Mango Kheer:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Begin by pulping the mangoes (preferably using ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor) and slicing the almonds thinly for garnish.
Step 2: Roast Vermicelli
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the semiya (vermicelli) and roast it, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown in color. This step adds a lovely nutty flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Add Milk and Cook
Once the vermicelli is roasted, add the full cream milk to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring gently to avoid any scalding at the bottom. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the vermicelli cook in the milk for about 10–12 minutes, or until it softens. Stir occasionally to ensure the milk doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 4: Add Sugar
When the vermicelli is soft and cooked through, add the sugar. Stir well and allow the sugar to dissolve completely into the milk, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture should become a thick, creamy consistency.
Step 5: Add Raisins and Cardamom
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the raisins and cardamom powder to the pan. Stir well, allowing the raisins to plump up and infuse their sweetness into the kheer. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down slightly.
Step 6: Add Mango Pulp
After the kheer has cooled to a warm temperature, stir in the mango pulp. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the mango is evenly distributed throughout the dessert. At this point, the mixture should have a smooth, creamy texture with a subtle sweetness from the mango.
Step 7: Chill and Garnish
Refrigerate the Mango Kheer for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the kheer to thicken. Once chilled, garnish with slivered almonds and a few strands of saffron for an extra touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions:
This Mango Kheer is best served chilled, making it a perfect dessert for warm weather or festive occasions. Serve it after a traditional North Indian meal, such as Dal Makhani, Palak Paneer, Lachha Paratha, and Jeera Rice. The creamy, fragrant mango pudding complements these hearty dishes perfectly, offering a sweet and satisfying conclusion to your meal.
Why You’ll Love Mango Kheer:
-
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The rich and creamy milk base combined with the sweet mango pulp creates a dessert that is indulgent yet light. The cardamom adds a warm, aromatic note, while saffron infuses the kheer with a luxurious golden hue.
-
Quick and Easy: Despite its rich flavor, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and requires only basic ingredients you likely have at home. The preparation time is minimal, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in under an hour.
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Ideal for Special Occasions: Mango Kheer is a stunning dish to serve at parties, family gatherings, or festivals. Its vibrant color and unique flavor will surely impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.
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A Versatile Dessert: Mango Kheer can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert, or you can pair it with a variety of Indian sweets like Gulab Jamun or Rasgulla for a decadent dessert spread.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
Tips for Making the Best Mango Kheer:
-
Use Fresh Mangoes: For the most authentic and flavorful mango kheer, opt for fresh, ripe mangoes. The sweetness and fragrance of the mango will elevate the entire dish.
-
Vermicelli: If you prefer a smoother kheer, you can also use rice instead of vermicelli, but vermicelli gives a lovely texture and bite to the dessert.
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Make it Vegan: You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting full cream milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and using coconut oil in place of ghee.
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Add More Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like chopped pistachios, cashews, or even a few rose petals for added flavor and decoration.
Enjoy this indulgent, creamy Mango Kheer as a perfect end to your meal or as a sweet treat for any occasion. With its refreshing mango flavor and rich, creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
